Remulla to parents: Monitor your child’s internet, social media access Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Saturday urged parents to closely monitor their children’s internet and social media use following the third school shooting incident in Cotabato City, which was linked to the suspect’s access to the deep dark web. In a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Remulla said the 14-year-old suspect was able to stealthily sneak a firearm inside the school. He added that the suspect had a history of depression. “Pakiusap ko po sa mga magulang, tingnan n’yo po ang telepono ng mga anak n’yo. Tingnan n’yo po ang sine-search nila. It is not a privacy issue, anak n’yo ‘yan, dapat alam n’yo kung ano tinitignan nila,” he said. Around 1:00 p.m. yesterday, a school shooting involving a junior high school student at Banga National High School claimed the lives of three students, including the suspect. Eight students were injured, two of whom are currently in serious condition. Remulla noted that suspects in previous school shooting incidents had also been entangled in the insidious use of the internet. He said that, coupled with depression, exposure to the dark web can influence children to commit heinous acts. The DILG Chief stressed that no one should be blamed for the Cotabato City school shooting, describing it as a case involving a child dealing with mental health issues. He said the recent unfortunate crimes in schools call for unity and collective action among various sectors. “We should not put blame on anyone and rather, we should have empathy and condole with those who lost their lives. We must act together as a country…dapat tumigil na ito, dapat sabay-sabay tayo, we should act together,” he underscored. Remulla also said barangay tanods and police officers stationed on the school premises were able to fulfill their duties. He explained that conducting body searches or frisking students is intrusive and can be misinterpreted. “Ginawa na nga ang lahat. May pulis na nga sa labas, may nag-inspect na nga ng bag niya. You could only ask for so much. ‘Yung kakapkapan mo kasi yung bata, that is very unusual, intrusive and can be misinterpreted,” he explained. He further stressed that various sectors of society must come together and acknowledge that depression among children is a reality in the Philippines. Remulla said proper medical and psychiatric interventions must be made available to children suffering from mental health conditions, underscoring the shared responsibility of families, schools, communities, and government in protecting children and preventing similar tragedies.

Remulla: Unified 911 brings emergency response closer to Filipinos Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said emergency response must be within reach of every Filipino, even in the country’s farthest communities. Remulla emphasized that the success of the Unified 911 System lies not just in the speed of its response but in its ability to bring government assistance closer to people across the country. “Akala ng lahat na ang Pilipinas ay Maynila lamang, hindi totoo yan. There are 95 million other Filipinos all around the Philippines,” Remulla said. Remulla cited the blessing and turnover ceremony of 20 emergency response motorcycles to Iloilo City and Aklan as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the capacity of local emergency responders and bring assistance closer to communities. As more Unified 911 command posts are built across the country, emergency calls can be received, located, and coordinated closer to where help is needed. This strengthens the capacity of local responders to act quickly and allows the hotline to serve as a great equalizer for Filipinos facing crises, whether in the metropolis or in the provinces. The regional approach is supported by the Unified 911 system’s language-sensitive call handling and geo-tagging mechanism, which make it easier for emergency responders to understand callers and pinpoint their locations for faster deployment of assistance. “Everyone should have the equal opportunity to communicate and say what is wrong na hindi nahihiya kung hindi sila marunong mag-English o mag-Tagalog,” Remulla said. With the strategic expansion of the Unified 911 hotline, the system has improved its reach to Filipinos in need, with actual responses on the ground demonstrating its impact. In San Fernando City, La Union, emergency responders arrived within three minutes after a 911 caller reported three individuals showing signs of food poisoning after eating mushrooms. The victims were brought to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention. In Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City, an elderly woman who slipped, sustained a bleeding head injury, and suffered a fracture was promptly assisted after the incident was reported through 911. A barangay ambulance was immediately dispatched to bring the victim to a medical facility. In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, a 911 call reporting a road collision between a motorcycle and a water delivery cart led to the immediate coordination of the City Police Office and patrol personnel on the ground. The response was resolved within three minutes, ensuring prompt assistance to the injured pedestrian. For Remulla, these incidents demonstrate how 911 is turning emergency response into a service that is faster, more accessible, and more inclusive regardless of the caller’s location or language. Aside from the National Call Center in Metro Manila, five other regional call centers are now available in Cebu, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Iloilo, and Leyte, with trained operators and emergency telecommunicators who speak the predominant languages in their respective regions. Despite the country’s archipelagic nature and language diversity, Remulla said the Unified 911 System reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that more people feel safe. “Wherever you are, kahit ano man ang lenggwahe ninyo, Filipino tayong lahat na iisa ang ating adhikain [para sa bansa],” Remulla added. 

Remulla seeks return of SK age limit to 15-19 years old Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has recommended restoring the age eligibility for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to 15 to 19 years old, saying youth officials should remain closely connected to the sector they are elected to represent. During the Senate Committee on Finance deliberations on the DILG’s proposed 2027 budget, Remulla said the current age range allows individuals who may already be working or raising families to continue serving in a council intended to represent younger Filipinos. “My recommendation is to bring it back to 15 to 19 years old, so that they would still be staying in the community,” Remulla said. “Because at 28 or 29 [years old], nag-asawa na po ‘yan, nagpamilya na, o nagtatrabaho na. I don’t think they are representative anymore of their constituents,” he added. Remulla also pointed to the overlap between the current SK age eligibility and the minimum age requirements for other elective local positions, despite the significant difference in their respective roles. “The minimum age for running for governor is 23, and to run for SK is between 18 and 29. You see the variance of what their responsibilities are,” he said. The DILG chief likewise called for a review of the fiscal autonomy granted to SK officials, citing concerns over their capacity and preparedness to independently manage public funds. “I think that the fiscal responsibility of the SK is not fully formed yet, and they are subject to the manipulation of so many factors,” he underscored. The issue of accountability in the management of SK funds has also surfaced in recent cases. Earlier this year, two SK chairpersons in Makati City were suspended after the Sangguniang Panlungsod found them guilty of misconduct, including separate cases involving an alleged demand for a 20-percent kickback from a supplier and the submission of documents bearing forged signatures. Remulla stressed that reforms to the SK system should strengthen, rather than diminish, youth participation in governance by ensuring that young leaders genuinely represent their sector and are supported by appropriate safeguards in the management of public funds.

Remulla: P58.53-B LGSF to empower LGUs, align local projects with national priorities Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the proposed P58.53-billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for 2027 will strengthen national government support for local government units (LGUs) and help align local development projects with national priorities. During the Senate Committee on Finance deliberations on the DILG’s proposed 2027 budget, Remulla said the enhanced LGSF gives LGUs greater access to resources needed to address development gaps and respond to the priorities of their communities. “Enhancing the LGSF has helped a great deal with the equalization of opportunities for the local government units,” he said. “There is now a greater connection between the local government units and the national government,” he emphasized. The proposed 2027 budget sets aside P58.53 billion for the LGSF, up from P57.87 billion in 2026 and more than double the P22.9 billion allocation in 2025. Remulla noted that under the current system, LGSF allocations are released directly to LGUs, unlike in the past when funds were coursed through members of Congress. He said the approach has strengthened the link between national and local governments by allowing LGUs to directly access support for projects responsive to local needs and consistent with broader national development goals. “I go around local government units and they find great comfort that finally, Malacañang is listening to the plight of the LGUs,” he said. “I think enhancing the LGSF is one of the great equalizing factors in order for these projects to be aligned with the national projects,” he stressed. The DILG chief said strengthening the LGSF ultimately gives LGUs greater capacity to deliver projects where they are needed most, while ensuring that local development contributes to the government’s overall priorities. 

DILG to LGUs: Strictly enforce ‘no-build zones’ in hazard-prone areas The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday called on local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce existing laws and regulations on no-build zones and land-use planning, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen measures protecting communities from severe flooding and other climate-related disasters. The President directed national government agencies and LGUs to strengthen the implementation of existing laws and regulations intended to keep communities away from disaster-prone areas, stressing that public safety must take precedence over political considerations. The DILG said the directive underscores the responsibility of LGUs to put disaster risk reduction, public safety, and environmental sustainability at the center of local land-use and development planning. With communities facing increasingly severe climate-related hazards, the Department stressed that sound planning must be matched by consistent enforcement of existing laws and regulations, especially in areas identified as vulnerable to flooding and other hazards. No-build zones generally cover easement areas and other locations considered unsafe for human habitation because of their exposure to hazards that may endanger lives and property. Existing laws, including the National Building Code of the Philippines and Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, provide the legal framework for regulating development in hazard-prone areas. Under the National Building Code, sites and buildings intended for human habitation must be located at a safe distance from hazardous areas, including streams and bodies of water. RA 10121 likewise promotes disaster prevention and risk reduction measures, including preventing human settlement in areas identified as high-risk for disasters. The DILG emphasized that LGUs are at the frontlines of enforcement and must ensure that development within their jurisdictions complies with applicable land-use, building, environmental, and disaster risk reduction policies. Complementing these efforts, the Department continues to mobilize LGUs and communities through the KALINISAN (Kalinisan at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan) Program and BarKaDa (Barangay at Kalinisan Day) Project. As of May 2026, the KALINISAN and BarKaDa initiatives have mobilized more than 588,000 participants who collected 38.86 million kilograms of waste from 1.5 million public sites nationwide. The DILG also continues to strengthen the disaster preparedness and response capabilities of LGUs through Operation L!STO, which provides local governments and communities with minimum critical actions before, during, and after typhoons, earthquakes, and other calamities. The DILG stressed that protecting communities requires more than identifying danger zones. It requires consistent enforcement, responsible local planning, and decisive action before disasters put lives and property at risk. 

Remulla urges schools, parents: Teach children to use 911 in emergencies Following recent school shooting incidents and erratic weather disturbances, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday urged schools and parents to teach children how to use the Unified 911 Hotline, stressing the importance of knowing where to seek immediate help during critical situations. Speaking during a simulation exercise at Carlos F. Gonzales High School in Maguinao, San Rafael, Bulacan, Remulla said the nationwide hotline is working and should be taught to students as a primary means of seeking immediate assistance. “Sa nangyari sa Tacloban, within one minute tumawag ang teacher sa 911 at within four minutes, dumating ang BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) on-site. It’s working. Turuan po natin ang ating mga kabataan na gumamit ng 911, nationwide na po iyan,” he explained. Remulla also called on the education sector, stakeholders, and the public to trust and familiarize themselves with the systems and protocols established by the national government to protect citizens in times of crisis. He emphasized that preparedness requires continuous learning, particularly as the country anticipates major disasters such as the “Big One.” He said the Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill helps strengthen the preparedness and reaction time of students, teachers, and other school personnel. “The process of learning never stops, and today is an example of that. Today we learn to prepare, today we learn to react. Today we learn that in cases of emergencies, alam natin kung ano ang mangyayari,” he said. The DILG Chief likewise recognized the crucial role of teachers in implementing school safety measures, emphasizing that their ability to respond properly is vital to protecting the safety and well-being of children. “I pay homage to the teachers. A lot is on your shoulders. The responsibility is on you to take care of the children.” Remulla also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the BFP to continuously strengthen their capabilities as first responders. The DILG, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Department of Education and other national government agencies to continuously strengthen school safety protocols and ensure greater protection for students, teachers, and school communities.

DILG calls for unified front vs fake news, misinformation amid crises The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday called for a unified government effort to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation, stressing that accurate, timely, and verified information is critical to preventing fear and confusion during crises. Speaking during the Kapihan sa Manila held at Prince Hotel in Ermita, Manila, DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communication Ronaldo C. Puno said combating fake news and misinformation is a shared responsibility of government agencies, the media, and the public, particularly during high-tension incidents such as the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City. “We really need a concerted effort to quash fake news,” Puno said, underscoring the need for the DILG and other government agencies to work together to ensure that only verified and factual information reaches the public. He said the school shooting incident also highlighted the need to continuously improve government communication and information dissemination mechanisms during crises. “Hindi tayo sanay sa mga pangyayaring ganyan (school shooting incidents). But it does call to refine processes and make things better,” Puno said. Hours after the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, videos purportedly showing injured school security guards circulated widely on social media, sparking confusion and fueling unverified reports that the two guards had been killed. Puno urged the public to rely on official and verified information from credible government authorities, noting that the Philippine National Police (PNP) exercises caution in releasing information while reports are still being validated. “Given the tense situation, given how quickly things progressed, nag-iingat din ang pulis. They want to share the information as quickly as possible, but they want to share verified information,” he said. Puno also cited the DILG’s immediate response following the Zamboanga incident, with Secretary Jonvic Remulla holding press conferences to provide the media and the public with verified information as it became available. “Shortly after the Zamboanga situation, he (SILG Jonvic Remulla) came up with a statement right away to try to give us as many details as possible,” Puno said. The DILG likewise reminded the public to verify information before sharing it, particularly during emergencies and other rapidly developing situations where unverified posts can quickly create fear, confusion, and unnecessary alarm. The Department stressed that responsible information sharing, coupled with timely and coordinated communication from government, is crucial to ensuring that the public receives facts rather than speculation when accurate information matters most. 

DILG probes over 200 BFP officials in sweeping crackdown on ‘slot-for-sale’ scheme The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is investigating over 200 officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as part of a sweeping crackdown on the alleged “slot-for-sale” scheme in the bureau’s recruitment process, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Friday. Speaking at a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Remulla said the investigation forms part of the DILG’s continuing efforts to strengthen accountability and good governance within its ranks, warning that officials found involved in corruption will be held accountable. “I am warning you: I am serious. Hindi ako titigil hangga’t hindi makukulong lahat na rotten personnel sa BFP,” he said. This comes days after a female BFP Senior Fire Officer 1 was arrested in Pampanga on August 24 after a BFP applicant reported her to authorities for the alleged extortion of P300,000. Remulla commended the applicant for his bravery in reporting the alleged scheme. The arrested BFP official is now at the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and is facing charges for robbery, extortion, and violation of Republic Act (RA) 10175. Earlier this year, Remulla announced that cases were filed against 11 BFP officials for the same slot-for-sale scheme. He vowed to end the ₱15-billion-a-year corruption in the BFP within six months, as the DILG moves to dismantle what he described as a 25-year nationwide corruption web where applicants allegedly pay P100,000 to P800,000 just to be admitted into the organization. “My number 1 goal is to clean and strengthen the DILG institution (including) the PNP, BFP and BJMP. I will not leave as SILG until I clean this up,” Remulla said. According to Remulla, some 23,344 applicants compete for the limited 2,504 available positions in this year’s BFP recruitment quota. “Napakaraming qualified, limited ang slots. Sa decision kung sino ang papasok ang nagkakaroon ng korapsyon,” Remulla added. He said the BFP Region 4A Assistant Regional Director is also involved in the Pampanga scheme. The official has been relieved while the investigation is ongoing. All BFP Regional Directors have likewise been placed under investigation as part of the DILG’s massive purge of the organization, underscoring the Department’s resolve to ensure that accountability applies at all levels. Beyond holding erring personnel accountable, the DILG is also instituting reforms aimed at closing opportunities for corruption in the recruitment process. Remulla commended BFP Officer-in-Charge Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu for the progress in enforcing BFP reforms in just three months since he assumed the bureau’s top post. According to Kwan Tiu, the BFP is now implementing an e-hiring online system whereby applicants are designated only by a number or code throughout the recruitment process, eradicating the chances of corruption. The names of applicants who make it to the annual BFP quota are system-generated and revealed only at the end of the recruitment process. “We are trying our best to institute the reforms of the Secretary in the BFP. With the new system we have, we are confident na wala ng ganoong slot-for-sale scheme,” Kwan Tiu said. The DILG said the continuing investigation and recruitment reforms reflect its commitment to ensuring that entry into the BFP is based on merit and qualification, and that public service positions are never treated as commodities for sale.

Remulla vows efficient spending of proposed DILG P332.5B budget for safer communities, stronger LGUs Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday presented the Department’s proposed P332.5-billion budget for 2027 before the House of Representatives, vowing to ensure that public funds translate into efficient and meaningful services for Filipinos. Remulla said the proposed budget supports the DILG’s priority programs and projects aimed at empowering local government units (LGUs), keeping communities safe, and strengthening emergency response. “As we present the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposal of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, we ensure that every peso entrusted to the government translates into meaningful public service,” he said. Under the proposal, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the DILG’s attached agencies for the uniformed services, received the three highest proposed allocations for 2027. The PNP’s proposed P242.5-billion budget, a 7 percent increase from the previous year, will support efforts to strengthen its ranks, intensify police operations, and construct new facilities. The BFP will likewise accelerate efforts in fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response, while the BJMP will recruit additional personnel to reinforce its operational capability, intensify efforts against illegal drugs in jails, and construct new jail facilities. The DILG also underscored the continued strengthening of the Unified 911 System through the acquisition of additional assets and expansion of access to emergency services, with the goal of accommodating more calls, reducing prank calls, and improving emergency response time. Remulla said the DILG will continue working with Congress and the other branches of government to advance effective governance and deliver public service that Filipinos can feel and benefit from. “Makakaasa po kayo na kami ay patuloy na magiging katuwang ng lahat ng sangay ng pamahalaan, hindi lamang ng Pangulo at ehekutibo, kundi maging ng lehislatura at hudikatura sa pagsusulong ng tapat at mahusay na pamamahala, sa pagpapanatili ng ligtas at mapayapang pamahalaan at paghahatid ng serbisyo publikong tunay na mararamdaman at mapapakinabangan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

DILG Calls for Wider Adoption of Sexual Assault Investigation Kits for Child Survivors To help ensure that critical evidence supports the pursuit of truth and justice for victim-survivors, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) to adopt the use of Sexual Assault Investigation Kits (SAI.Kit) in aid of investigations involving child sexual assault cases in the country. The initiative fulfills the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen child protection efforts and recovery interventions for Filipino youth who are victims of abuse. Through Memorandum Circular No. 2026-035, the Department urged LGUs to invest in the SAI.Kit, a tool developed by the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) DNA Analysis Laboratory of the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) to help address sexual assault incidents through forensic science and technology. Launched in May 2026, the SAI.Kit provides a more comprehensive, secure, and accountable system for the collection, handling, documentation, and preservation of DNA samples and other critical biological evidence from child victim-survivors of sexual violence. The DILG said the kit is intended to support healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and other duty-bearers in preserving the integrity of evidence for investigative and judicial proceedings, while upholding the rights, welfare, dignity, and privacy of victim-survivors. As frontline responders to violence against women and children (VAWC) incidents, LGUs are urged to invest in the SAI.Kit and integrate it into their respective local plans, programs, and budgets to institutionalize its use at the local level. The Department also emphasized that the adoption of the SAI.Kit supplements the operations of Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) Desks, which serve as immediate access points in sexual assault cases. LGUs were likewise urged to streamline the referral mechanism for sexual assault cases from VAW Desks to concerned offices through close coordination with local health offices, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC), and Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (LCAT-VAWC). The Department said that through the cooperation of LGUs in making sexual assault investigation kits accessible, child victim-survivors can be better supported in seeking justice, with critical evidence properly preserved to help their cases move forward.